An alleged Tamil gunman was arrested today morning(January 01) following the assassination of UNP Colombo district parliamentarian and his body guard, at the Kotahena Sivam Kovil, defence sources reveal.

The alleged gunman was wounded in return fire from a personal security officer of Mr. Maheswaran, Kotahena Police said. The suspect, identified as a resident at general area Gurunagar in Jaffna, is under close custody of Police and receiving treatment at the National hospital- Colombo, sources further added.

Indian politician J Jayalalithaa has alleged that an alarming situation was now developing as the banned LTTE was now looking at Tamil Nadu as a base and all political parties, except hers, was prepared to roll out a red carpet welcoming to the outfit

UNP parliamentarian T. Maheswaran was shot this morning (January 01) by an unknown gunman, news sources report. According to Colombo national hospital sources, Mr. Maheswaran has received serious gunshot injuries.

Speaking exclusively to defence.lk, Director of Nation Hospital - Colombo, Dr. Hector Weerasinghe said, the medical staff is at full thrust attending to save the parliamentarian. Nine other people also injured during the incident were admitted along with the Mr. Maheswaran, hospital sources reveal.

Latest information revealed that Mr. Maheswaran has succumbed to wounds while undergoing intensive medical treatment few minutes ago, at around 10.35a.m. Two other people have also succumbed to injuries, hospital sources said.

According to available information, an unknown gunman have shot Mr. Maheswaran inside the Kotehena Sivam Kovil, at around 9.30a.m.